This is more of an experience than a tour. Four major conductors in the UGRR, dress in character and walk you through the city’s major locations, where, in the 1840s and 50s, was a hotbed of abolitionist sentiment and where thousands of fugitive slaves were spirited in secret to various “stops,” then onto awaiting boats to take them to freedom—less than a mile away in Windsor, Ontario. I’m a native Detroiter and this was my second time on the tour; it was that good! Read more
Detroit Comes Out Tour
Celebrate Detroit’s Gay History
Walking Tour
Unique Experience
Decades, before rainbow flags blanketed the nearby suburb of Ferndale, the gay community in metropolitan Detroit, began its courageous journey out of the closet and into the public eye in the late 1930s at a trailblazing business located on a prominent street in Downtown Detroit.
Join City Tour Detroit on this fascinating 2-hour walking tour through the heart of Detroit’s LGBTQ+ history led by local historian Michael Boettcher and uncover the hidden stories and forgotten landmarks that played pivotal roles in the fight for equality and acceptance.
Highlights
Trailblazing tour documents Detroit's LGBTQ+ history
Uncover the stories behind colorful figures in the movement
Tour researched and led by qualified local guide
Click the tabs to find out more
Trip Details
Price
$30
Meeting point
Duration
2 hours
Enjoy this fascinating 2-hour walking tour through the heart of Detroit’s LGBTQ+ history led by local historian Michael Boettcher and uncover the hidden stories and forgotten landmarks that played pivotal roles in the fight for equality and acceptance.
This walking tour provides historic context to Detroit’s Gay Pride Movement by visiting the places where the LGBTQ+ community gathered, socialized, and supported one another in a time when acceptance was scarce.
You’ll explore the landmarks still around and those long gone that served as important cruising areas and venues for protests where LGBTQ+ Detroiters made their voices heard.
You’ll hear the stories of colorful figures such as the charismatic “Prophet Jones,” aka “Messiah in Mink,” a local religious leader of national fame whose sexuality was an “open secret,” and the legendary jazz and blues singer Bessie Smith, whose songs about Detroit’s “buffet flats” captured the spirit of the time.
The captivating account of Johnnie Ray, the music legend mentioned in the hit song “C’mon Eileen” and dubbed the “Father of Rock and Roll” by Tony Bennett is another fascinating story you won’t want to miss. Ray’s electrifying performances and emotional singing style made him a household name, but it was the sensational headlines of his arrests in Detroit that shook the music industry and brought to light the vibrant and often hidden gay scene of the time.
Learn about several major figures from Detroit’s past who were undoubtedly gay but didn’t live in a time where they could publicly express their true identities.
This tour is more than just a walk through the city; it’s a tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges faced by early LGBTQ+ Detroiters and their resilience in the face of adversity.
While learning about this oft neglected history, you can acknowledge and celebrate the progress that has been made, from the clandestine bars of the 1930s to the vibrant and open community we see today and draw inspiration from the past to continue the fight for equality and acceptance in our own lives and communities.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history. Come investigate where LGBTQ+ Detroiters first began fighting the battles that have given way to the freedom to live and love authentically today.
Book your spot on the “Detroit Comes Out” tour today!
Frequently asked questions:
Tours start and end at the City Tour Detroit office & souvenir shop located inside the beautiful Guardian Building, 500 Griswold Street, Detroit MI 48226.
Use the address 500 Griswold Street, Detroit MI 48226 for directional purposes.
Limited metered street parking is available on nearby streets. Make sure to download the ParkDetroit app to pay and extend your time while on tour.
There are numerous parking structures nearby including the Buhl Garage located across the street. You’ll need a phone to park at the Buhl Garage as they use a QR code.
Online parking assistants such as parkwhiz.com or spothero.com help with locating nearby parking as well as reserving a spot in advance.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary for a job well done. Gratuities are an extra thank you so the amount is entirely up to you.
This is a downtown Detroit historic walking tour focusing on Detroit’s early LGBTQ+ history. Tour has been researched and is led by a member of this community.
Check out what our guests are saying
Nancy was our guide for the See the D tour. We decided to take a visiting out-of-town relative down to Detroit, but realized we didn’t know much about it despite having lived here all of our lives. Nancy was extremely informative and accommodating. Read more
To be honest, I didn’t have the best impression of Detroit before visiting but Pat at City Tour Detroit changed all that! She was a wonderful tour guide that had so much passion and love of Detroit…it was definitely contagious! I learned so much from her — she had great facts about all the locations we visited. 10/10 Read more
My girlfriend and I took a trip to Detroit and reserved The see the D tour. Our guide Nancy did a great job. She covered a wide range of topics and made the city feel very unique. Read more
This was a very fun activity to enjoy downtown Detroit. The stories are interesting and some are quite grim. I think that much of the enjoyment is dependent upon how well the group interacts and plays along with the tour guide. This 2.5 hr tour on foot is very easy to walk. Read more
